The headquarters of one of the 'colectivos' of Caracas. 'Colectivos' are criminal gangs armed by President Hugo Chavez's administration, and have been converted into left-wing guerrilla groups through the introduction of political ideology.Photo by Alvaro Ybarra Zavala/Getty Images

Revolution and Civil Unrest: Lessons From Venezuela and Syria

Hudson Institute hosted a discussion analyzing the similarities between the Syrian revolution and the civil war that followed and the recent unrest in Venezuela. Panelists included Hudson Senior Fellow Michael Pregent; Institute of World Politics Research Professor Paul Coyer; Foundation for Defense of Democracies Freedom Scholar Michael Ledeen; and Center for a Secure Free Society Executive Director Joseph M. Humire. The discussion was moderated by Middle East Broadcasting Networks President Alberto M. Fernandez.

Many of the challenges leading up to a revolution, as well as the consequences that come from political upheaval, remain consistent across countries and continents – the unrest in Venezuela and Syria are no exception. Refugees from the chaos and upheaval in Venezuela have exceeded 3 million and are quickly approaching levels associated with the Syrian refugee crisis, overwhelming neighboring countries. Similarly, the revolutions have evoked analogous anti-imperialist economic and social rhetoric in their movements. Understanding one country’s struggles can lend valuable insights for addressing another.

NOTE: This event is open to the press. All members of the media should RSVP to [email protected]

Speakers

Michael Pregent Speaker

Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute

Paul Coyer Speaker

Research Professor, Institute of World Politics, and Associate Professor, l'Ecole Speciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr